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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;JewelryPicker, post: 9537637, member: 20513&quot;]absolutely, especially turn of the century era (1900) US made gold.&nbsp;&nbsp; They were doing a lot of tinkering with different alloys to alter color, durability and malleability.&nbsp; The different % of other metals will cause various degrees of patina and even straight up tarnish.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>An experience from about 8 years ago I’ll never forget:</p><p><br /></p><p>I bought a jewelry box full of “junk” at my usual auction.&nbsp; There were all the usual jewelry buyers there and each one searched that box.&nbsp; There was a MARKED &amp; signed 14k Victorian (chunky) bracelet in there, unfortunately missing stones, dented etc.&nbsp; but there was no question, it was a high end piece back in the day.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>it was in a box with junk, but it clearly stood out as not belonging in that box, for any reason.&nbsp;&nbsp; There’s no way that the other jewelry buyers *didn’t* see it.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>But it was heavily tarnished, and apparently they all thought it was fake.&nbsp;&nbsp; I won the box for $22.00 and cleaned it up a little to an amazing rose gold shade with a white silver/platinum sheen.&nbsp; It was an incredible color that I have never seen since.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Since it was damaged beyond repair, I scrapped it.&nbsp; $820</p><p><br /></p><p>I never judge gold by its surface luster, especially old gold.&nbsp;&nbsp; And although I am friendly with the other buyers at auction (my competition) I don’t share my trade knowledge.&nbsp; I shall forever refrain from informing them that gold can, and will, tarnish[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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